Tacony Manufacturing's Adopt-A-Soldier drive now under way

Wednesday

Nov 6, 2013 at 12:26 PM

Jim Brock

Tacony Manufacturing is once again holding its annual Adopt-A-Soldier drive to show its support for soldiers overseas.According to Human Resources Director Nancy Montgomery, collection and fundraising efforts are under way to send items to this year's chosen soldier and others in his unit.Montgomery says Tacony will be sending items to about 120 soldiers – the largest group to date."This time it's 120 – that's overwhelming, so we definitely rely on the community to help support us," Montgomery said. "That's way beyond what we can do, so we send as much as we can."Montgomery says items for the soldiers come from a wish list, which usually includes anything from non-perishible food items to simple commodities such as toothpaste, deodorant and body wash.Army Pvt. Justin Ramsey, a former employee who is serving in Afghanistan, is this year's adopted soldier. "There's kind of a special connection with that one because he's one of the Tacony people and his mom and his sister work here."Anyone willing to donate is encouraged to do so. Cash donations are also welcome. Soldiers also love mail, so feel free to write a letter or send a card.Montgomery hopes to have everything sent off by Nov. 20 at the latest, so time is running out.All items will be wrapped and shipped together, so Montgomery asks that all items donated be unwrapped. "If each one of [the soldiers] gets something, that would be wonderful," she said. For more information, visit Tacony Manufacturing at #3 Industrial Drive, St. James, Missouri 65559, or call 573-265-0500 ext. 4310.